SeniorHomes.com Weekly Roundup

Monday, December 12th, 2011 by Angela Stringfellow

This Week in Senior Living News

Aging News:

AAA reports that one in four drivers will be 65 and older within the next decade. Visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com for tips and advice to assess ability and improve comfort and safety for older drivers. InsuranceNewsNet.com has details on the subject.

The aging population will have an impact on the foods you see in your local grocery store, according to a report by NY Daily News. Because food intolerance and special diets are common in older folks, grocery stores will be catering to their needs.

Image by cherrycoke on Stock.xchng

Senior Living News:

Reuters and a number of other publications gave tribute to survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack this week, which marked the 70th anniversary of this devastating day in history. Survivors are fading (the youngest are now in their late 80s), but the memories don’t have to.

Caregiver Stories and Advice:

Boomer to Boomer Online offers an informative article addressing the challenges of dementia for family caregivers. Useful dementia facts as well as common problems and self-care needs are covered.

Tech Roundup:

High school students in one local community are teaching seniors to be tech savvy. Seniors can learn to use tablet computers, cameras, PCs, the internet and more. Check out Stow Patch for the rest of the story.

Qualcomm announced its new division last week: Qualcomm Life, which will focus on developing wireless medical devices. Get the details at Smart Planet.

Operations and On the Political Beat:

ALFA has opened nominations for its 2012 ALFA Hero Awards program. If you know an exemplary employee serving in a senior living community, nominate them!

Senior Housing News has a different take on senior living staffing levels, noting that some providers are reconfiguring staffing and schedules to accommodate ever-rising acuity levels.

Things that make you say, “Huh?” and our favorite unexpected news of the week:

Being President of the United States isn’t fatal, according to a recent study. Arguably one of the most stressful careers a person could have, U.S. Presidents have been scrutinized for what appears to be rapid aging due to the demands of the job. Dr. S. Jay Olshansky, a researcher at the University of Illinois in Chicago, undertook a statistical analysis and found that most former presidents who have died of natural causes have actually lived longer than the average life expectancy of men from the same generation. The New York Times reports the story.